Tire Uniformity Machine Characterization via Spindle Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tire uniformity machines provide inconsistent test results due to unique force characteristics of components like rotating drums and spindle assemblies, which are not adequately characterized, leading to errors in nonuniformity measurements.
Innovation Solution
A system for characterizing tire uniformity machines, including an apparatus with spindle alignment and load wheel characterization to accurately align and measure forces, generating characterization waveforms to adjust test results and improve measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tire uniformity testing is performed using conventional machines, then test results can be obtained, but the results are inconsistent and unreliable due to uncharacterized component forces
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary characterization of machine components (spindles, load wheel, rotating drum) before actual tire testing. Characterization waveforms are generated in advance to represent the force contributions of each component, which are then used to adjust and correct the test results, eliminating the need for filtering and improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses measured characterization data from control tires to generate feedback waveforms that represent machine component forces. These feedback waveforms are subtracted from the test waveforms to correct measurement errors, creating a closed-loop system that continuously improves measurement precision through self-characterization.
2Measurement precision
If filtering is applied to test results to compensate for machine inconsistencies, then measurement accuracy may be improved, but the testing time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of filtering test results after measurement, the system performs preliminary characterization of machine components and generates correction waveforms in advance. These characterizations are applied directly to the test measurements, eliminating the need for time-consuming filtering operations while maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If the upper and lower spindle assemblies are not precisely aligned, then the characterization forces become inaccurate, but alignment procedures add complexity to the system
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the tire itself as a reference standard for alignment. By measuring the forces on a known good tire and analyzing the resulting waveform patterns, the system automatically determines the correct angular relationship between spindles and makes self-alignment adjustments, eliminating the need for external alignment equipment or complex manual procedures.
4Measurement precision
If characterization waveforms are generated for each machine component, then measurement accuracy improves, but the complexity of the testing system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines the characterization of multiple machine components (spindles, load wheel, rotating drum) into a unified waveform analysis approach. By representing all component forces as superimposed waveforms that can be generated and subtracted mathematically, the system achieves high measurement precision without requiring separate physical characterization equipment for each component.
Data Source
AI summary
A tire uniformity machine includes an apparatus for receiving and rotating a tire. The apparatus includes opposed spindles for receiving, inflating and rotating a tire, and a load wheel applied to the rotating tire to obtain tire test results. A spindle alignment assembly is associated with the opposed spindles to align the spindles with one another each time a tire is received. At least one characterizing device is associated with components of the apparatus to characterize forces of the opposed spindles and the characterized forces are used in adjusting tire test results.